American

Early 20^th century

Plaster

36” H x 25” W x 15” D

Inspired by Jean-Antoine Houdoun’s renowned depiction of George Washington, this grand bust portrays the president in his military regalia, commanding respect with his gaze. Following the triumph of the American Revolutionary War, various state governments sought to immortalize this historic moment through public art. Given George Washington’s pivotal role in both Virginia and the colonial struggle, it’s no surprise that the Virginia General Assembly desired a statue of him for public display.

In 1784, Governor Benjamin Harrison of Virginia entrusted Thomas Jefferson, then serving as the American Minister to France, with the task of selecting a suitable artist for the sculpture. Given the limited artistic talent in the United States at the time, Jefferson sought a European sculptor, preferably French.

Thomas Jefferson’s choice fell upon Jean-Antoine Houdon, a celebrated neoclassical sculptor renowned for his skill and ambition. Although Houdon initially envisioned a monumental equestrian bronze statue of General Washington, logistical constraints led to the creation of a simpler standing marble statue.

Houdon initially attempted to sculpt Washington based on a likeness drawn by Charles Willson Peale but later traveled to the United States to personally capture Washington’s features. During his stay in Virginia, Houdon crafted a slightly idealized bust of the future president, albeit in contemporary attire as per Washington’s preference.

Returning to Paris with clear instructions from Washington, Houdon commenced work on a full-length standing statue, which he completed several years later. Despite delays, the finished statue was delivered to the Virginia State Capitol in 1796, where it remains a revered symbol of the nation’s first president.

Houdon’s masterpiece not only captures Washington’s physical likeness but also embodies his dual nature as both a military leader and a private citizen. Through subtle symbolism, such as Washington’s stance and the presence of the fasces and plow, the statue represents his transition from military power to civilian life, akin to the Roman figure Cincinnatus.

Unlike later depictions that veer toward deification, Houdon’s statue celebrates Washington as a man, resonating with his humility and commitment to democratic principles.